Phantom Thread (2017)

This masterpiece about a neurotic fashion designer in 1950s England boasts impeccable acting, glorious locations, magnificent wardrobe, a transcendent soundtrack, and an imaginative script that broke Daniel Day-Lewis (just kidding--he announced his retirement before shooting this). It probably could do with about 20 fewer minutes but that is Jack's and my only quibble.

Day-Lewis (profiled in Lincoln) crafts the lead character, Reynolds Woodcock, with ADD/OCD that actually had me laughing inappropriately at times. I am far from the only writer to highlight the toast buttering sequence. As Reynolds' sister/business manager Cyril, Lesley Manville (after Another Year, she was in Mr. Turner and more) somehow manages to be warmer than day-old breakfast without cracking a smile. And Vicky Krieps (she was in Hanna, which we liked very much, though I didn't mention her and don't remember from seven years ago) is lovely as the waitress taken in by Reynolds as his model and, later, lover.

If I told you the inspiration for director/writer/uncredited director of photography Paul Thomas Anderson's (last directed and wrote Inherent Vice) script, it would break my no spoilers rule. In fact, that inspiration is, tonight, second on the list of imdb trivia so I just submitted to the site that it should be moved to the spoilers list. If and when you look it up, the second item is that Anderson served as both director and cinematographer, then imdb has taken my advice. My advice to you is wait several days before checking. About the cinematography: None of Anderson's favorite DPs was available so he did the job but relied heavily on the photography crew and refused to take credit. Therefore there was no option for a cinematography nomination among the six Oscar nods and dozens of other wins and nominations (here's my own list). About the script: apparently Day-Lewis suggested the name Reynolds Woodcock to Anderson one day and Anderson thought it so hilarious he decided to use it.

Production designer Mark Tildesley (24 Hour Party People (2002), The Constant Gardener (2005), Happy-Go-Lucky, Pirate Radio, One Day, among others) was snubbed by Oscar--you will agree when you see the opulent sets. I was fixated by the plaster trim on the stairs of the London house.

At least the costume designer got a nomination in a movie about wardrobe. Mark Bridges' (nominated for Inherent Vice and covered in The Master) dresses (and a few suits) are spectacular on Krieps et al. He won the Critics Choice award and the Costume Designers Guild Awards are in about three weeks.

A few days before we saw this I heard Terry Gross' Fresh Air interview with Anderson, reminding me of the Oscar nomination for composer Jonny Greenwood (last blogged for scoring Inherent Vice) and informing me that there's a lot of music throughout the two hours and ten minutes of running time. The original score, almost an hour, can be streamed from this spotify playlist and over a half hour more of songs, jazz and classical instrumentals, from this one.

The Rotten Tomatoes' critics are sewn up, averaging 90%, although its audiences are a bit unraveled at 70. We recommend this for all but the most impatient movie fans.